Main Field of Study and progress level:
Architecture: First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Umeå School of Architecture
Established by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2017-12-06
Contents
The course aims to provide methods to develop and assess an architectural brief and program in relation to specific contexts and the wider architectural discourse. The primary method employed is the examination of architectural strategies through case studies, the projection of these strategies into a specific context and a reflection on the implications this process creates.
The course consists of two modules:
Development of individual proposal, 3 Credits
Research of architectural theories and strategies, 7 Credits
The topic of the individual proposal for module 1 is developed and refined over the duration of the course. This is facilitated through individual reflections on the wider architectural discourse in relation to specific contexts.
Module 2 focuses on the widening of the field of research through the investigation and analysis of historical and contemporary approaches of architectural interventions. During this phase students develop an individual position in relation to the development of an architectural proposal. The architectural proposal should include an individual approach to the project, a basic architectural program and a critical analysis of key elements of their chosen site(s).
Expected learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Develop and communicate an individual critical architectural proposal.
Discuss and evaluate different strategies of architectural interventions.
Relate and integrate relevant architectural research into an architectural proposal for a specific context.
Develop and evaluate an architectural program and brief in relation to a specific context and the wider architectural discourse.
Form of instruction
The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, case studies and workshops, as well as individual and group project assignments consisting of analytical exercises, practical exercises, group discussions and critiques.
Examination modes
On this course, there will be oral and written examinations based on diagrams, architectural models and other relevant visual material prepared individually or in groups. The results are assessed through mandatory assignments and by documentation of the student’s own working process and results.
The grades Pass (G) and Fail (U) are used. To pass the course, all examinations and mandatory modules need to be completed and assigned a pass grade. To pass requires attendance at tutorials, seminars, field studies and a Pass grade on the oral, written and design assessments.
Students who fail an examination may retake that examination. A student who has failed two consecutive examinations has the right to get another examiner, unless specific reasons arise (HF Ch. 6 § 22). Requests for another examiner are submitted in written form to the programme co-ordinator.
Complementary Assignment A student that does not fully meet the intended learning outcomes for an examination, but is close to reach the level for a Pass grade, may, upon decision by the examiner, be given the opportunity to hand in a complementary assignment to fulfill the requirements for a Pass grade. The complementary assignment should be individually modified to the specific requirements that the student has failed to reach. The examiner decides the deadline for when the complementary assignment should be finished.
Academic Credit Transfer Students have the right to request that previous studies, or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in a professional, work-related capacity, be validated and transferred into credits on an equivalent course or programme at Umeå University. Applications for credit transfer should be addressed to Student Services/Degree Evaluation Office. More information can be found at the Umeå University student web site (www.student.umu.se/english) and in Chapter 6 of the Higher Education Ordinance. Appeals may be made to the Higher Education Appeals Board (ÖNH) against a decision by the university not to approve an application for credit transfer (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 12), even in cases where only a part of the application has been rejected.
Other regulations
This course may not be used towards a degree, in whole or in part, simultaneously with another course of similar content. If in doubt, consult the study counselor at Umeå School of Architecture.
Reexaminations based on the same curriculum are guaranteed within two years after the first course registration.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
